Creating a resume for your first job might seem tricky without work experience, but you've got more to offer than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you showcase your skills.
How to Write a Resume with No Experience
Your resume is your personal pitch. Even without work experience, you can create a resume that stands out by highlighting your skills, education, and the unique experiences you bring to the table.
Related: How to Write a Resume (Online Course)
Choose the Right Resume Format
Opt for a resume layout that puts your educational background front and centre. This strategy is especially helpful if you don't have work experience. By showcasing your academic achievements at the start, you're immediately highlighting your strengths. Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and education rather than a chronological listing of work experience.
Align Your Experience with the Job Requirements
Take a good look at the job ad. What skills and qualities are they looking for? Now, reflect on your own life experiences – maybe a group project at school where you demonstrated leadership, or perhaps a time when you volunteered and showed your ability to work in a team. These are the experiences that can align with the job requirements. Even if you haven't worked before, these examples from your personal life can prove that you have the skills the job needs.
Emphasise Your Education
Begin your resume with the education section. Here, list the courses you've taken that relate to the job you're applying for. If you've achieved high marks in certain subjects, mention them – it shows your ability to learn and excel. Also, don't forget to include any extracurricular activities, like being part of a sports team or a school club, particularly if they're relevant to the job. These activities can demonstrate skills like teamwork, leadership, and commitment.
Include Volunteer Work and Activities
Don't underestimate the value of volunteering or being active in clubs and societies. These experiences are gold on a resume, especially when you're short on formal work experience. They show you're willing to put in the effort and get involved, and they often involve skills that are transferable to the workplace, such as communication, organisation, and teamwork.
List Your Skills
Make sure to include a section for skills on your resume. This should be a mix of technical skills (like being proficient in certain software or tools) and soft skills (like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork). Look at the job ad and see what specific skills they're asking for, and match your skills section to these requirements. It shows the employer that you've got what they're looking for.
Add a Resume Objective
A resume objective is a brief statement at the top of your resume that sums up who you are and what you can bring to the role. It's your chance to make a strong first impression. Keep it short and to the point, focusing on your strengths and how they align with the job. It's like a quick introduction that tells the employer why you're a good fit for the job.
Resume Template for First Job
Here’s an example resume template for a first job as a social media assistant (but you can tailor it to any career/role you’re going for).
You can also find great free resume templates online, or on platforms like Canva.
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[Your Name] Objective Education Relevant Projects
Volunteer Experience
Skills
Extracurricular Activities
Certifications / Online Courses
References 1. Name, Phone Number, Company, Position |
ChatGPT Prompts to Help Write Your First Resume
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First Job Resume FAQs
How should a beginner start a resume?
To start a resume as a beginner, begin with your contact information, including your name, phone number, email, and location. Write a compelling objective or summary statement that highlights your career goals. List your relevant skills, both hard and soft, to showcase your abilities. Include your education, especially if you're a high school student, and highlight any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capabilities. Keep your resume format simple and clean for readability.
What is a resume?
A resume is a document that provides a concise summary of your work experience, skills, education, and other qualifications. Its primary purpose is to help you apply for jobs by showcasing your suitability for a specific role.
What should you include in a resume?
In a resume, you should include your contact information, an objective or summary statement that highlights your career goals, a list of your relevant skills, details about your education, a section on your work experience, and any relevant volunteer work or extracurricular activities that support your qualifications.
What should not be included in a resume?
A resume should not include personal information such as age, gender, or marital status. Avoid including irrelevant hobbies or interests. Refrain from sharing negative information or reasons for leaving previous jobs unless specifically asked during an interview.
Should a resume show your age?
No, a resume should not show your age. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job.
Should I put hobbies on my resume?
You should include hobbies on your resume only if they are directly relevant to the job or if they demonstrate transferable skills that would benefit the role. Otherwise, it's best to leave them out.
Is a resume and CV the same thing?
No, a resume and a CV (Curriculum Vitae) are not the same. A resume is typically a concise document tailored for job applications, highlighting key qualifications and skills. In contrast, a CV is more comprehensive and used primarily in academic or research contexts, detailing a person's full educational and professional history. However, in Australia, the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably.
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